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I just returned from my first-ever writers' retreat, and found it amazingly worthwhile.
In addition to getting some major plotting done (yes, I've been converted), I kicked out a grand total of 18,637 words in three days. That feels amazing!
Our retreat consisted of one giant, cabin-like mansion in the woods, several scrumptious, restaurant-worthy meals, eleven incredible-in-every-way writing chicks, and one exterminator turned hero of the day (long story).
It was such a great time. I'm so glad I went, and I'll definitely go again when the opportunity comes around.
So what about you? Ever been on a Writer's Retreat? Do you dream about going on one?
Ever encounter a sneaky little mouse in a houseful of women? Let's hear it.
Um, a mouse in a house full of women? Oh boy.
ReplyDeleteMany years ago, our girls' youth group in the church I belong to went on an overnight to our leader's cabin. We were moving the furniture around so we could all sit around to play games and such. A scream erupted on one end of the room, traveled through everyone, and before you knew it girls were on the furniture and screaming while most had no idea why.
They'd found a dead mouse under one of the couches when moving it. Our Bishop and his son were there, because it was their cabin, the only men in the room. The son had to deal with the mouse disposal while the leaders and our Bishop tried to calm everyone.
Story still lives in infamy.
A writer's retreat does sound lovely.
That sounds like you had a great time - how do y ou even hear about things like this.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the mouse!
Your retreat sounded amazing. I'm jealous. How do you hear about these things?
ReplyDeletewow.. sounds interesting!
ReplyDeleteweakest link
Stephanie, that is hilarious!
ReplyDeleteChatty and Krystal, a writing friend of mine decided to rent a out the cabin, and put the whole thing together. I think RWA does them occasionally, but I'm not sure. But if you have writers in our area that are interested in doing it, I'd pick a date, find a place and go for it! Let me know if you do - esp. if you live in my area. :)
Rachit, thank you!
How fun! :D I'm going on a retreat next month with several writer/blogging buddies. I'm so excited! :)
ReplyDeleteSo jealous! Sounds amazing!! It must feel awesome cranking out almost 19,000 words in 3 days! :D
ReplyDeleteI really wish that I could have come. It sounds so great. 18,000 words in three days? I am starting to think you have super powers.
ReplyDeleteEwww. Mice. Count on me to handle bugs of any size, but if a critter nurses its young, NO THANK YOU.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for dropping by and visiting my blog and leaving a comment. I'm glad I found you too!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to go on a writing retreat but must admit to being anxious of what's expected. I feel very relaxed in my writing room at home, but always feels envious of others who've been on a retreat. Maybe one day!
Ange x @angebarton - twitter
Sounds heavenly! Congrats on getting such a huge amount of words written! It was probably all worth it just to get the exterminator turned hero experience, right?
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun thing! And that word count is impressive. I've never been on a writers' retreat, but I've been towing with the idea of maybe doing something like that with my crit group.
ReplyDeleteHello again!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you had a good time. I think the Crazy Ivans really helped with some word counts. I got 13k done, and most was on Saturday and Sunday.
FYI, the Utah Romance Writers have a retreat every April up in Park City. You don't have to be a member. But I must say I got much more done in the cabin setting than at the hotel.
And I think we're going to start a Crazy Ivan Writer's Loop soon. Keep watching Kim's blog for details.
Lesli, aka Crazy Ivan
Love your blog! The retreat was awesome, except for the mouse.
ReplyDeleteA writer's retreat sounds wonderful! I have not been to one, yet. I love your blog. I'm glad I found you!
ReplyDeleteWow, sounds like you had a fantastic and truly productive three days. 18K words? Not too shabby at all. What's the retreat called?
ReplyDeleteHow fantastic for you that you went on a writer's retreat! That must've been heady stuff to write that many words!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't thrive at a writer's retreat - there's no way I would be able to concentrate with other people around. I have to write in blissful solitude to crank out the prose. I envy people who can go to a library, business, etc. to write. That would be nice to be able to write anywhere!
That mouse must've been fun! He probably jump-started your hearts and electrified your minds so you wrote even more great stuff than you would've without him! :D
I've never been on a writer's retreat, but it sounds like you got some serious work done!
ReplyDeleteDuncan In Kuantan
It was so fun getting to know you better, Kim! Thanks for letting me hang with all you RWA peoples. :) Hope I'll get invited again when I'm not surprised with last minute edits.
ReplyDeleteI've never been to a writer's retreat. Would give my left arm to attend Breadloaf, though. (Okay, maybe just the hand.)
ReplyDeleteNo mice here, but am currently in a battle with a family of chipmunks INSIDE our house. I have a no-kill trap and keep releasing them in a park blocks away, but thinking Alvin and his friends keep finding their way "home." Sigh.
Found you through Laila over at her Untroubled Kingdom, and am glad I did! Great blog!
FUN fun! I have gone to small, half-day deals, but this I am going to SCBWI LA! Very excited : )
ReplyDeleteHi, Kimberly, Sounds like you had a great time, lots of fun and lots of work. There's nothing like a break from routine and doing the things you like to do. Regards, Paul.
ReplyDeleteEnvy, envy... sounds just wonderful! And all those words? Good job!
ReplyDelete18k in three days is fabulous! NaNoWriMo ain't got nothin' on you! I've never attended a writer's retreat. The secluded scenery and concentrated writing time sound great, but I seriously think I'd have trouble concentrating with a bunch of other people in the house.
ReplyDeleteI have always wondered what a writer's retreat feels like.
ReplyDeleteA writers' retreat sounds heavenly. I am super impressed by your three-day word count!
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE to go :D
ReplyDeleteTO be surrounded by writers all day would be amazing.